Atlus Announces That There Will Only Be One (very Awesome) Version Of Persona 4

[AtlusAram]

ATLUS ANNOUNCES THAT THERE WILL ONLY BE ONE (VERY AWESOME) VERSION OF PERSONA 4
Unprecedented announcement-of-no-announcement shocks industry

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA — NOVEMBER 6, 2008 — Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced to eager fans awaiting the release of the upcoming RPG epic Persona 4 that there will in fact be no enhanced or expanded version of the game released, as was the case with the game’s predecessor, Persona 3.

“We are today able to announce that at no point in the future will we announce the release of a “FES” version of Persona 4,” said Tim Pivnicny, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “The very finest, most definitive version of Persona 4 will be the one released on December 9, 2008.”

This groundbreaking preemptive anti-announcement puts to rest concerns among many Atlus devotees that an improved version would be announced and released shortly following the release of Persona 4.

Persona 4 will release for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system on December 9, 2008. Each and every copy of the game will include Side A of the Persona 4 soundtrack for free, which features the work of famed composer Shoji Meguro. Fans who pre-order from select retailers will also receive Persona 4: Visual Data, a 100-page, full-color art book loaded with designs from master artist Shigenori Soejima (at GameStop, Amazon.com, EB Games (Canada), Game Crazy, and other fine retailers, while supplies last).

In addition, hardcore fans can pick up the Persona 4 Social Link Expansion Pack (exclusively at Amazon.com), a bundle of rare North American-exclusive goodies unavailable anywhere else, like the Teddie plushie, 2009 Calendar, Side B disc of the P4 soundtrack, and more!

###

About Persona 4
Shortly after an urban youth begins a year-long stay in the countryside town of Inaba, the rural town's peace is shattered by a horrific murder that leaves no clues or suspects. As the lone incident develops into a series of bizarre crimes, he discovers that only he and his friends have the power to solve the baffling case, bring those responsible to justice, and restore harmony to his new home.

Key Features
• Balance your double life – Beyond intense battles, Persona fusion, and new weapon creation exists a normal high school life of friends, classes, and part-time jobs. The way you manage and integrate your activities within each day will determine how you progress through the game.
• Unprecedented team control – With a greater emphasis on developing bonds in the fight to solve the mysterious murders, strong friendships are key to your success. Directly control teammates in battle, earn greater party support for combat, and master individual Social Links to unlock your party's true potential.
• Find the true ending – 60+ hours of gameplay thrusts you into a deep mystery where midnight television leads to serial killings. You must investigate murders, rescue those who can be rescued, and unmask the culprit behind it all—or risk being forever shrouded in the fog of doubt.

Persona 4 has been rated “M” for Mature with Alcohol Reference, Animated Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, and Violence by the ESRB.

###

About Atlus U.S.A., Inc.
Located in Irvine, California and founded in 1991, Atlus U.S.A., Inc. is renowned for its proud tradition of publishing exceptional role-playing games with strong niche appeal. The Atlus library of critically acclaimed video games includes Odin Sphere, Trauma Center series, and the award-winning Shin Megami Tensei series. For more information, visit http://www.atlus.com.

For breaking news, special promotions, insider info, and more, visit http://www.atlus.com/faithful to join the ranks of the Atlus Faithful!

©2008 ATLUS. Licensed to and published by Atlus USA.

[Skyrocket]

Thank god. I've been pretty sick of hearing people go on and on about this question.

[StrikeRaider]

I thought Atlus liked my money psh.

[Sei]

But.. but.. I'd buy it...

[jeffx]

Though the announcement kinda reads tongue-in-cheek, this is very good news, thanks for (finally) clearing up the air.

That said, please add more Social Link packs to amazon.ca

If amazon.com are still offering it, it means they're not selling anymore (unless you're making thousands of them). We sold out on the first day they were offered. Shift those extra units to Canada.

[sora4126]

Yes, now people can shut up about "omg will there be P4FES!!!!1!"

Thanks for clearing that all up.

[TheMagicHat]

Yes, now people can shut up about "omg will there be P4FES!!!!1!"

Thanks for clearing that all up.
And you know people will STILL ask either to be faceitious or because they refuse to believe the memo. :tongue:

Nice to have some news, though.

[sora4126]

And you know people will STILL ask either to be faceitious or because they refuse to believe the memo. :tongue:


Yeah... but it was a fun minute when I believed it would stop. XD

[Fuyukaze]

I was surprised we even got FES in the first place. After not getting any of the main branch SMT games on the PS1, not getting the second part of Persona 2, not getting the original SMT3, I was completly shocked when they gave us FES. Dont know who's bitching about the posibility of a FES release of P4 being release later on but who ever should just get over it and be thankfull they got any of the series in the first place.

[Enzo_Kensei]

Atlus said "you'll get an art book if you pre-ordered in Amazon, EB games and other fine retailers"

My question is, what exactly are these other fine retailers Atlus mention other than the mentioned above?

[jeffx]

videogamesplus.ca, amazon.ca that I know of

[Enzo_Kensei]

Thanks :) , I hope someone knows other more fine retailers.

[RpgGamerGrrL]

this makes me beyond happy! i can't wait for dec. so excited :)

[Olethros]

OMG! Bearsona 4 ultra-complete edition CONFARMED!!!!!!!!

[Sei]

^ Day one!

[Enzo_Kensei]

^ Day one!

What do you mean by this? :)

[Thunder-Slash]

I admit... I laughed.

[Fuyukaze]

Thanks :) , I hope someone knows other more fine retailers.
I think gamecrazy is one of the stores offering the pre-order bonus. Atleast, it lists it as one and the system shows it as being included as a pre-order bonus at the store. Same for the other 2 Atlus titles being released.

[rainking187]

Potentially good news depending on how you look at it. If this is their way of saying "There will only be one version of P4", then great. But if Atlus Japan releases an enhanced version at some point in the future does this statement mean Atlus USA won't be bringing it over?

[Enzo_Kensei]

Potentially good news depending on how you look at it. If this is their way of saying "There will only be one version of P4", then great. But if Atlus Japan releases an enhanced version at some point in the future does this statement mean Atlus USA won't be bringing it over?


Good point there... Yeah we need clarification on this one.

[BaizDaza]

But.. but.. I'd buy it...

Same.

And thanks for the heads up.

[jeffx]

Don't you guys think that they'd only make such an announcement if they checked with Atlus Japan FIRST?

[Inzaghi]

Potentially good news depending on how you look at it. If this is their way of saying "There will only be one version of P4", then great. But if Atlus Japan releases an enhanced version at some point in the future does this statement mean Atlus USA won't be bringing it over?

We did check with Atlus Japan before making the non-announcement. There had been some speculation that since P3 was released in Japan in July 06 (just like P4 was released in July 08 ) and P3 FES was announced in Japan in December 07, that it wouldn't be worth preordering P4 in case Atlus Japan made an a similar announcement in December 08. So we asked and according to them, they're not making one, which is the basis for the press release.

[Enzo_Kensei]

Thanks now it completely answers any doubts. :)

[dragonlife29]

We did check with Atlus Japan before making the non-announcement.
...
we asked and according to them, they're not making oneThat's pretty amazing. I was wondering what exactly your guys' basis was for this non-announcement--I mean, I figured you may have asked, but I find the honesty from Atlus Japan incredible.

I guess it was my pessimistic side, but I thought, "What's to keep them [Atlus Japan] from lying?" or whatever.

You've alleviated my worries (though, there really were none :P); I like the relationship between the two branches :)

[Skyrocket]

These being the twilight days of the PS2 a P4:FES really isn't reasonable. Better to spend the resources on a PS3 game.

[Enzo_Kensei]

True, but I hope Atlus still would support Shin Megami Tensei games for the PS2. I heard some developers still would support the PS2 until 2010. I just hope some SMT persona spin-offs would be made.

[Skyrocket]

2010 is going to be the absolute limit for the PS2. I imagine there are a lot of factors involved, but most game makers are clearly switching fully to the PS3. 25 months is a pretty short future so I doubt anything really WOW is going hit the PS2 after P4.

[Enzo_Kensei]

I see. Considering the hardware limitations of PS2, maybe Persona 4 is one of the greatest games to show PS2's power. Although vague and most likely not to happen, PS2 is still popular in Japan and in the rest of the world and I think some of the last great games still would make its appearance in 2009-2010. And I agree with you. Its most likely that P4 will be the last game to be WOW but they could always maintain those type of games right?

[Soushi_Grapple]

I hope the PS2 lasts at least a few more years; I haven't been able to afford any next gen system, although shooting for a 360 this Xmas (and my gf might get the Wii). PS3's are still expensive and always will be for me since I refuse to get one without backwards compatibility =/

[onlylunch2]

backwards compatibility rules!! Not to rub it in, but if you can find a PS3 that still has it BUY IT (even if its a bit used). Trust me, my PS3 gives me a nice widescreen P3 without distortions. And im looking forward to widescreen P4

[Terash Cas]

backwards compatibility rules!! Not to rub it in, but if you can find a PS3 that still has it BUY IT (even if its a bit used). Trust me, my PS3 gives me a nice widescreen P3 without distortions. And im looking forward to widescreen P4

I got mine last year on Black Friday the store only had 100 I think they sold out that day... 349.99 for a 60GB. Wonder what will be available this year.

[onlylunch2]

have you figured out how to make 4:3 ratio games stretch to 16:9? no distortions, its handy i tell ya

[Enzo_Kensei]

I hope the PS2 lasts at least a few more years; I haven't been able to afford any next gen system, although shooting for a 360 this Xmas (and my gf might get the Wii). PS3's are still expensive and always will be for me since I refuse to get one without backwards compatibility =/

I totally agree with you. Its good that you'll be shooting for a 360 this Christmas, PS3 and 360 are nearly as powerful. As for my case, I'll just probably get a PSP first, coz, the 360's and PS3's need fancy air conditioned rooms, HD TV's, etc. to make your games prettier than ever. So aside from the 360, PS3 itself you need to shell out more money for those things. PS2 is still great for me, I just hope some developers would consider this. A lot of people out there still can't afford a PS3 or even a 360.

[Soushi_Grapple]

I hope the PS2 lasts at least a few more years; I haven't been able to afford any next gen system, although shooting for a 360 this Xmas (and my gf might get the Wii). PS3's are still expensive and always will be for me since I refuse to get one without backwards compatibility =/

I totally agree with you. Its good that you'll be shooting for a 360 this Christmas, PS3 and 360 are nearly as powerful. As for my case, I'll just probably get a PSP first, coz, the 360's and PS3's need fancy air conditioned rooms, HD TV's, etc. to make your games prettier than ever. So aside from the 360, PS3 itself you need to shell out more money for those things. PS2 is still great for me, I just hope some developers would consider this. A lot of people out there still can't afford a PS3 or even a 360.

I hope I get a 360 for Xmas.. My Mom says its unlikely even though I asked the whole family to pitch in, because my Uncle/Aunt, my other Aunt, and my Grandfather just lost their homes completely to Hurricane Ike. I was lucky, our house only lost the break-away garage and got little water damage around the windowsills and front door.. But since the 360 Arcade pack is $200, its the least expensive and has the most games I want (Operation Darkness, Infinite Undiscovery, Star Ocean 4). I have the limited Star Ocean slim PSP from Japan and got a phat PSP awhile back, so.. ^^; Also my friend has a PS3, so I could always raid his house if I could ever afford the high game price tag o.o;

[Enzo_Kensei]

Hey Shoushi, Sorry about the what happened to your family. Regarding the PSP, is the PSP worth the money? And a good thing that you have a friend who has a ps3. In my case, I don't have any friends who have such. I have a classmate who has a Wii though, prolly I could just do the same thing. PS3 here in the Philippines are like crazy! A 40GB is 22,000 pesos and a 80GB goes for 34,000 pesos. Ouch. So I'll just wait a few more year for the Ps3 to cut its prices.

[Soushi_Grapple]

Thanks, Enzo =) We just got the water back up and running.

I cant speak much as far as getting a PSP... Mom got my phat for $220 a few Xmas's back and the $350 for the Star Ocean Slim was insanely worth it. ;) I'd say get a phat model if you dont want to waste a lot of money. I think you can get it as cheap as $80 now.

[Enzo_Kensei]

Thanks for the info. But the phat model is becoming a rarity about a couple of months ago since the slim was released. I'm prolly eying on the limited edition god of war package. I think I'll be getting it the second week of december, after getting my P4. :)

[Arcana]

I just hope that P4 comes in PAL (european) version too, or I'm going to move in USA for a while XD.

Still, P3 FES just come out now in Italy, so if on the 4th December P4 is released in the USA maybe in December 2009 I'll find it in italian stores (maybe XD).
Boring localisations ç___ç

[onlylunch2]

dude just buy a used ps2 with the right settings? they're dirt cheap now

[Arcana]

dude just buy a used ps2 with the right settings? they're dirt cheap now

Was the message for me or for Enzo? O.o

[onlylunch2]

for youu my dear. :)

[Enzo_Kensei]

Hey onlylunch2! I love your signature pic. :)

[onlylunch2]

thanks, i was honestly hoping somebody would say that :P

[Soushi_Grapple]

onlylunch2, your sig pic is awesome XD I assume its fan art?

[onlylunch2]

yes it is, but unfortunately its not my own, i was browsing deviant art :P

[Enzo_Kensei]

It's really nice. I like what teddy is doing. Sneaking. XD

[onlylunch2]

fits his character doesnt it? always acts like a creepy stalker

[Enzo_Kensei]

Yep2. Now I'm more curious about teddy's involvement in the murder case. Sketchy.

[Arcana]

dude just buy a used ps2 with the right settings? they're dirt cheap now

for youu my dear. :)

You're right, but still the Ntsc ps2 can't work on Pal televisions ç__ç unless you have the right cable. The problem is that I don't have any idea of what kind of cables ntsc ps2 uses ç__ç

[onlylunch2]

seriously?!? your tv doesn have the Red,White,Yellow wire plugin spots? Why do people make different EVERYTHING?? Universal tv, console yes please

[Arcana]

seriously?!? your tv doesn have the Red,White,Yellow wire plugin spots? Why do people make different EVERYTHING?? Universal tv, console yes please

It's not that, my tv (the now one) has the colored plugs, but still, the cables in the PAL and USA versions are differents. The resolution in europeans TVs are different than americans, PAL system uses vertical coordination of colours and signs to light up the screen, NTSC uses an other sistem.
Still, I could make work an american PS2 on my TV (with an NTSC DVD of course), but the colours would not appear, and the sound would be distorted.
Long story short. I could play on my italian TV with P4 with an american PS2, but I would not see the colors and the game might freeze. The reverse thing (play PAL games with a PAL ps2 in Usa TV) is simply impossible ^^

[Enzo_Kensei]

^ I was able to experience the way you experienced it. I tried to play a PAL released game with my NTSC tv. Alas, no color.

[onlylunch2]

Ah that really sucks!! consider music and color are very important in persona. Well, we can only blame Americans for wanting to be non-conformist bastards. Imperial units system, different TV and game Settings, and damn Microsoft for making the 360!! Japanese consoles > American ones.

[Arcana]

Ah that really sucks!! consider music and color are very important in persona. Well, we can only blame Americans for wanting to be non-conformist bastards. Imperial units system, different TV and game Settings, and damn Microsoft for making the 360!! Japanese consoles > American ones.

It would be better if all games had double settings (PAL and NTSC) and Language settings.
Rogue Galaxy had that option, at the begenning you choose if play on PAL system or NTSC system.

[onlylunch2]

yeah but you have to keep important things in mind, having all those nice options is ALOT of work and money. Im currently in a software engineering program at university, although i havent been programming long, i do get how ridiculously hard doing an option like that is.

[Arcana]

yeah but you have to keep important things in mind, having all those nice options is ALOT of work and money. Im currently in a software engineering program at university, although i havent been programming long, i do get how ridiculously hard doing an option like that is.

I can imagine that, but that would resolve lots of problems, even if the better thing was to use one and only TV codification mode ^^

[Enzo_Kensei]

yeah but you have to keep important things in mind, having all those nice options is ALOT of work and money. Im currently in a software engineering program at university, although i havent been programming long, i do get how ridiculously hard doing an option like that is.

Dude, we're practically the same. I currently studying Software engineering in our University. And I really know how hard it is to program a long program. :)

[onlylunch2]

awesome enzo! engineers rules >_>

and my thought is, if the 3 main companies would join and make a universal console, good things would happen. Nintendo has ingenuity are make interesting new concepts work, Playstation is shear power and quality machines, microsoft just has a ton of money and connections. but alas they work separately and microsoft is slowly taking over everything because they buy everything... damn pricks.

[jeffx]

industrial engineer here.

[Olethros]

Wow. Whole lotta anti-American/anti-Microsoft bias going on in this thread.

Perhaps I should throw a hissy fit like the one that occured in the Eternal Poison thread. :roll:

[onlylunch2]

well i wouldnt go so far as hissy fit, but feel free to join in the anti-microsoft slur group.

[Enzo_Kensei]

awesome enzo! engineers rules >_>

and my thought is, if the 3 main companies would join and make a universal console, good things would happen. Nintendo has ingenuity are make interesting new concepts work, Playstation is shear power and quality machines, microsoft just has a ton of money and connections. but alas they work separately and microsoft is slowly taking over everything because they buy everything... damn pricks.

I agree. If Nintendo and Sony would team up, they could be that Microsoft... XD Wow, a ton of engineers here. :O

[Enzo_Kensei]

And I forgot to compliment you on the sig pic. :) So nice by the way.

[onlylunch2]

haha thanks XDD

[Auden]

I hope the PS2 lasts at least a few more years; I haven't been able to afford any next gen system =/


i completly understand an sypathise with THAT...

i want a ps3, but the games i really want for it [or any next - gen console] are very few [MGS4, FFXIII, FF versus XIII...killzone 2 maybe...]

it's the games the reason why a console is good, and if we keep getting awesome titles like this on ps2, long live ps2 my friends. ps2 has i IMHO the best library of games, i got about 25 and still growing. hi-res and a zillion polygons are good, but more game variety is better sometimes

oh, and i kinda hate microsoft too LOL

[GFSummoner]

Thanks Atlus for the head's up!
You have no idea how many people ask this question on gaming forums.

[Las Lobos]

I hope the PS2 lasts at least a few more years; I haven't been able to afford any next gen system =/


i completly understand an sypathise with THAT...

i want a ps3, but the games i really want for it [or any next - gen console] are very few [MGS4, FFXIII, FF versus XIII...killzone 2 maybe...]

it's the games the reason why a console is good, and if we keep getting awesome titles like this on ps2, long live ps2 my friends. ps2 has i IMHO the best library of games, i got about 25 and still growing. hi-res and a zillion polygons are good, but more game variety is better sometimes

oh, and i kinda hate microsoft too LOL
haha I have a ps3 myself and I'm wanting Killzone 2 and God Of War 3 and others it's a great system and it has potential people just want the 360 because it's cheap and it STILL breaks down even after they "fixed" the RROD. I'm not a fanboy/girl or anything I just prefer SONY

Sorry....anyways. as for the one version of P4 I'm glad ATLUS is doing this, I was lucky enough to get P3 FES, the last copy. It's a fair buy if I do say so myself.

[Vigiliance Aurelious]

Yesh no moar Festival XD
I hope ders Persona 5.. if der will hope in ps2 :lovefirefox:

[Raidou89]

I would buy it, come on Atlus, let me give you my money.:D

[Enzo_Kensei]

Yesh no moar Festival XD
I hope ders Persona 5.. if der will hope in ps2 :lovefirefox:
A distinct possibility. SMT games such as Persona series isn't about graphics. And besides, HD technology doesn't make a game fun. ^^

[Juanblue85]

Well they have the chance to develop P5 on the following.
PS2, 360, WII, PSP, DS. You name it.

[Dragoneye]

How about a second release of the game to those of us who got the cold shoulder this time around because we had the "slightly wrong version" of Playstation 2?

Atlus used some pretty bad methods for actually mass-producing the Persona 4 disks, and some people with certain versions of the Playstation 2 slim are unable to play the game. -_-

I don't feel like buying a new PS2, since this is Atlus' fault.

[persona3rocks]

What are u even talking about Dragoneye i have 2 different slims and it works on both of them. Maybe its not Atlus's fault maybe it's yours!

[Juanblue85]

I'm still glad the Phat PS2s are still available I have yet have a single problem with them except for my first PS2 in which the drive unable to open trapping my copy of GTA III so I had no choice but to pry it open.

[persona3rocks]

no way i had to do the same thing with mine and it was the same game! good game i might add

[Eternal Sin]

isnt this thread off topic?

[Enzo_Kensei]

I think there is a specific thread for PS2's incompatibility in reading Persona 4.

[persona3rocks]

Yea theres is!
People blaming Atlus!shameshame

[Enzo_Kensei]

^ Yeah, it isn't Atlus fault. Some fail to notice the software or version of their PS2's. Atlus sure delivers quality products on its consumers.

[persona3rocks]

Exactly and i have an old clunker and it works just fine!!! i got 2 slims and it works there too.

[Crisjin]

Man, I'm not sure if that's good news or not, lol. Kind of a slap/stroke type of deal for no "Fes" type deal because on one hand it means that the current Persona 4 isn't going to be useless, but then again I'd like to see an expanded version. I know there were some times I was playing and I'd think "They should've added this here, or that there" so I was hoping there'd be an expansion, but... not soon, lol.

[Hypotenuse Man]

Crisjin: Ha, I know how you feel. I wa sthinking that it's a bad thing that there'll be no expanded P4, since I'd totally buy it. On the other hand... I suppose it's good that there isn't going to be an expanded version, because I'd buy it, and I probably can't spare the cash at the moment. XD

[OgGz]

so we can start asking about persona 5 now and it wud really kill me if they say they are finished with persona coz its really really by far the best game in the world

[Jaxx-Leviathan]

^ Considering the popularity of the series I'm positive that they'll keep it going for at LEAST one more game.

[Ike.]

Do you people really want another Persona game? The series seems pretty complete to me. The worst thing that could happen is that Persona goes into Final Fantasy syndrome and spins out sequel after sequel of garbage, and then this subforum can be dedicated to "[Poll] WHICH PERSONA WAS THE BEST???????" threads filled with incessant arguing by idiots about why each game is worse than the last.

[The God of Summons]

I don't think a newer Persona would improve what Persona 4 achieved. Persona 3 was an incredible game but it had some minor flaws that were totally fixed in Persona 4. I don't think another Persona would hurt me, since they have proven to add new flavour to each of the episodes, still as Ike says, the only thing that could be added would be a new storyline.

Now about Microsoft, I hear a lot of people talking about how well Microsoft is doing, but remember Microsoft is doing well in the USA since MS is a company everybody knows, besides it's the cheapest and it features the games that the typical American would want. Now we cant say they are doing so great in Japan for example, the other day I was reading an old magazine I found at home, and they had released a limited Xbox edition with a Dead or Alive theme since their sales were so low. A few months ago when the top 100 list of sales in Japan was released only one game for the Xbox was there, and its producer was Japanese.
Apart from that you should bear in mind that Sony announced it's gonna dive in the South American market, something I'm pretty glad to hear, cause our market has a huge potential that no companies until this recent announcement had considered.

[diis]

everyone was wondering will there be and when p4.
and now again the saim with the p5.
do people dont hawe paisence?
the bigest in the world worry is will it still be on ps2?